As the days passed, Mikey grew stronger and stronger. Eventually, he was able to stay awake for more than an hour at a time-still with significant rest periods.

There was one problem, though. He wore a small, troubled frown on his face most of the day, and didn't always reply when he was called to.

'Mikey? Mike. Mikey!" Donnie shouted, waving a hand in front of his little brother's face.

Mikey blinked.

"Huh?"

Donnie sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Mikey, did you even hear me?"

Mikey gave him a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Sorry, Don. I'll listen."

Donnie looked at Mikey closely now. He saw the dark circles under the eyes-even with all the sleep he was supposed to be getting. He saw how thin Mikey was, and how an entire untouched pizza was sitting next to him.

Something was up.

"Mike, what's wrong?" Donnie asked, turning towards his face.

"Nothing." Mikey answered, just a little bit too quickly.

Donnie smelled something fishy.

"Mikey." He warned.

The smaller turtle sighed and burrowed beneath the covers.

Donnie stood there, unsure of what to do.

He finally settled on resting a hand on his little brother's shell, and turning off the lights.

Before he left, he called out, "Mikey. Just-just don't shut us out, okay?"

There was no reply.

TMNTMNTMNTMNT

The next morning, the pizza was still there. Raph exchanged glances with Leo, who had also come to check up on the youngest member of their clan.

"Mikey?" Raph called out.

No answer.

The came nearer to the bed, and what they saw shocked them.

It was a note.

"If you ever want to see this turtle again, I will be willing to trade for Hamato Yoshi. Aren't I generous?

Shredder"

Looking at each other wildly, they bolted towards the door.

"Master Splinter!"

Yup, it's short. Yes, I wanted it that way-just tonight. Suspense, right? Look, just to address some of the reviews. I realize that my fic may not be what others envision, and that's fine. But I am employing creative license to add a character to this world, to manipulate the realms of reality within my writing. I do appreciate the time you took to review, and I hope you will read further. I think you may enjoy this fic.-even if it may not be entirely accurate to the character. The feedback always helps me, though, and I don't want to be one of those writers who's like: Review or Else. I'm just a teen, and I go to school. So, just a warning, during the school week, updates will usually be every night, but they might be a bit short. I promise I won't abandon all of you, though! I've met so many new friends during the creation of this fic., and I hope you'll continue to read.

If you have any ideas for my story, please please please tell me! I work to make them happen! :D

With love,

~EmberAmberFirdausXD~